HTExplore is a Spin-off of theFederico II University of Naples (Italy), established in January 2013 to provide state-of-the-art High Throughput Experimentation (HTE) services in organometallic catalysis, with special focus on the HTE fine-tuning and optimization of olefin polymerization catalysts and processes.

The company stemmed from the Laboratory of Stereoselective Polymerizations (LSP), a research structure of the Department of Chemical Sciences directed by Prof. Vincenzo Busico. LSP is a world-leading competence center in catalytic olefin polymerization, with a comprehensive portfolio of fundamental and applied research projects. Since 2006, LSP introduced HTE tools and methods in its research approach, building up a powerful state-of-the-art infrastructure which is unique worldwide with respect to both the technology platform and its applications. The Web site of LSP provides, inter alia, detailed information on how HTE has become an integral part of the toolkit for investigating polyolefin catalysis.

Some extraordinary possibilities of HTE, on the other hand, do not fit in the academic programs of LSP. In particular, there is a growing demand, especially in industry, for high-tech HTE services for catalyst and process fine-tuning and optimization downstream to the initial discovery in view of practical application. Limited scientific novelty and Intellectual Property (IP) restrictions make these activities unsuited to academic scientists and students. In such a case, the Federico II University encourages the creation of an ‘Academic Spin-off’, i.e. an independent company exploiting University know-how which cannot be cultivated in the academic environment. Increasing the competitive edge of the Italian economy and creating new highly qualified jobs are important societal drivers. Accordingly, the University supports its Academic Spin-offs by authorizing full-time professors to become company share-holders and active members, provided that this does not interfere with their institutional duties. Moreover, Academic Spin-offs can be incubated in University structures in the start-up phase. The application of LSP staff members to found HTExplore as an Academic Spin-off, and the accompanying Business Plan, were approved by the University Administrative Board in November 2012.

This Web site provides detailed information about the structure, technology and services of HTExplore. We hope that you will find some interest in the visit!